Wilde's greatest talent was for writing plays. In 1891, Wilde began an affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, nicknamed 'Bosie', who became both the love of his life and his downfall. This had much to do with the novel's homoerotic overtones, which caused something of a sensation amongst Victorian critics. His first and only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was published in 1891 and received quite a negative response. In 1888, he published The Happy Prince and Other Tales, fairy-stories written for his two sons. To support his family, Oscar accepted a job as the editor of Woman's World magazine, where he worked from 1887-1889. They had two sons, Cyril (1885) and Vyvyan (1886).

On May 29, 1884, Oscar married Constance Lloyd (died 1898), daughter of wealthy Queen's Counsel Horace Lloyd. He also lectured in Britain and Ireland (1883 - 1884). He worked as an art reviewer (1881), lectured in the United States and Canada (1882), and lived in Paris (1883). In 1881, he published his first collection of poetry - Poems that received mixed reviews by critics. Whilst at Magdalen, he won the 1878 Newdigate Prize for his poem Ravenna.Īfter he graduated, he moved to Chelsea in London (1879) to establish a literary career. While at Oxford, he became involved in the aesthetic movement and became an advocate for 'Art for Art's Sake' ( L'art pour l'art). He was educated at Portora Royal School (1864-71), Trinity College, Dublin (1871-74), and Magdalen College, Oxford (1874-78). Oscar had an elder brother, Willie, and a younger sister, Isola Francesca, who died at the early age of 10. Oscar's father, Sir William Wilde (1815 - 1876), was a leading ear and eye surgeon, a renowned philanthropist and gifted writer, who wrote books on archaeology and folklore. She wrote patriotic Irish verse under the pseudonym 'Speranza'. Oscar's mother, Lady Jane Francesca Wilde (1820-1896), was a successful poet and journalist. Oscar Wilde was born in Dublin on 16 October 1854 to Sir William Wilde and his wife Jane. 'Biography lends to death a new terror' - Oscar Wilde Resting place: Le Pére Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France Occupation: Playwright, novelist, poet, editor, critic Mother: Jane Francesca Elgee (poet and journalist) He was tried and imprisoned for his homosexual relationship (then considered a crime) with the son of an aristocrat.įast Facts Birth name: Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde This doctrine is most clearly summarized in the phrase 'art for art's sake'.īesides literary accomplishments, he is also famous, or perhaps infamous, for his wit, flamboyance, and affairs with men. Wilde was a proponent of the Aesthetic movement, which emphasized aesthetic values more than moral or social themes. In his lifetime he wrote nine plays, one novel, and numerous poems, short stories, and essays. He is regarded as one of the greatest playwrights of the Victorian Era. Oscar Wilde was an Anglo-Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and critic.

Oscar wilde